Is your computer making you sick?

Have you ever heard the term, “wired and tired?”

Even if you’re not familiar with the phrase, odds are you’ve experienced it. The dry, weary eyes after staring at your desktop for too long. The brain melt that comes after watching too much television. The head and neck aches and even the nausea that comes after too much computer use.

Yes, most of us know the physical and mental fatigue all too well that comes from using our computers, TVs, tablets and phones for hours on end. According to a report by The Vision Council, more than 90% of American adults spend two or more hours per day in front of some sort of screen, nearly 60% spend five or more hours, and 30% said they look at screens more than nine hours per day.

It’s understandable — digital devices have become a critical part of our productivity and quality of life. But what is this really costing us?

Electronic screens aren’t just leaving us wired and tired, they’re affecting our health in a very real and very damaging way. Here’s how.

Blue light

Most digital screens are backlit and emit blue light, or high-energy visible (HEV) light wavelengths. Research has shown that overexposure to this light can contribute to eyestrain and discomfort, and even lead to more serious conditions later on such as macular degeneration.

Blue light has also been shown to suppress melatonin — the sleep hormone — desynchronizing the body clock and causing an artificial feeling of wakefulness. And this can lead to a number of other complications, such as hormone imbalance, depression, and even brain inflammation.

The cortisol hormone

The cortisol hormone helps the body manage stressful situations by increasing blood sugar levels and reducing the response of the immune system. But research has shown that prolonged use of electronic devices can overstimulate your cortisol production — which can have notable effects on the brain. Excess cortisol levels can not only weaken your ability to control stress, but can actually cause your brain to shrink, which compromises your ability to concentrate, make decisions, sound judgments and interact socially.